Rodents are the source of the virus (Image: Paul Grace Photography Somersham via Getty Images)
A tragic incident has occurred on the cruise ship MV Hondius where three individuals have lost their lives due to a confirmed case of hantavirus, while a British citizen is in critical condition.
Hantavirus infections are commonly associated with exposure to the environment contaminated by urine or feces of infected rodents.
Transmission of the disease from person-to-person is uncommon.
The disease, which mimics flu-like symptoms, has been a cause for concern on the MV Hondius, with the World Health Organization confirming six suspected cases during the voyage from Ushuaia to Cape Verde.
Tragically, a Dutch couple, aged 70 and 69, succumbed to the illness.
A 69-year-old British man is currently receiving intensive care in Johannesburg following his diagnosis on the cruise ship, where passengers remain stranded awaiting permission to disembark.
